Cheap Eats: Brotherly love alive at 4B's Restaurant and Tavern

When Mike Aggelis' brothers opened up Four Brothers Restaurant and Tavern 10 years ago, he lived in

Florida.

He moved back to York County four years ago, so it's actually a brood of five who runs 4B's Tavern in Manchester Township.

Mike, Christopher, George, Theodore and Spiro range in age from 27 to 38. They grew up in the restaurant industry. Their dad, Angelo, was born in Greece and has owned restaurants in Athens, Shrewsbury and Lancaster.

Angelo encouraged them to open a restaurant, and he and George scouted locations. They wanted a place that was close to a highway and near businesses.

Mike, general manager, said he's done every restaurant job from waiting tables to dishwashing to cooking. He works best with people.

He said each of his brothers has a different personality and skill set, which gives them a well-rounded staff.

Christopher manages the kitchen, George and Spiro keep track of inventory, and Theodore manages at night.

It's funny how you can't judge a restaurant by its exterior. I noticed it a couple of times while driving down Susquehanna Trail.

Its burnt red stucco exterior encloses the eatery, with windows covered by blinds. The roadside sign with flames made me think it might attract more of a bar crowd.

I was very, very off. Inside, booths with dark hardwood backing line the walls, which are decorated with craft beer signs for Troegs, Dogfish Head and Stella Artois. A row of high tables sits off to the side of a classy-looking bar. Fake fuchsia and orange flowers decorate the tables. Instrumental music plays in the background.

I ordered grilled chicken on a pita from the lunch specials, which came with one vegetable or a cup of soup. I chose broccoli.

My order was ready in less than 10 minutes. The pita, half tucked inside a piece of aluminum foil, was filled with diced chicken, chopped tomatoes, romaine lettuce and honey mustard.

The chicken was cooked just right and the pita was lightly toasted - so good.

Mike said his brothers designed the restaurant and tavern to cater to a business crowd during the day - because of all the nearby companies - and a younger crowd at night.

"Because we have a lot of guys who are hard workers, they're hungry at lunchtime," he said.

Four Brothers offers daily specials and has wing night on Tuesday, fiesta night on Wednesday and happy hours throughout the week.

Mike said the eatery aims to provide good quality, homemade food and a family atmosphere. Some of its most popular items are the angus burgers, topped with everything from crab dip to onion rings.

He said while working with family, he and his brothers are able to support one another and the business. Customers can see that, too.